grant permission

You use this phrase when there is a clear hierarchy. One person has the power, and the other person is asking. You usually see it in the passive voice too. For example, 'Permission was granted.' You can use it for big things like building a house. You can also use it for smaller things like leaving work early. Just remember it sounds a bit like a movie script or a legal paper.

Use it in professional emails or when talking to authorities. It is perfect for HR departments or government offices. Use it when you want to sound respectful and serious. If you are writing a formal letter, this is your best friend. It also works well in news reports. 'The city granted permission for the parade' sounds much better than 'The city said okay'.

Do not use this with your best friend at a bar. If they ask to borrow five dollars, don't say 'I grant you permission'. You will sound like a robot or a very strange wizard. Avoid it in casual texts unless you are being funny. It is too stiff for a romantic date. Keep it out of relaxed family dinners unless you want your siblings to roll their eyes.

In English-speaking cultures, bureaucracy loves this phrase. It comes from a history of legal and royal language. In the US and UK, 'rights' and 'permissions' are taken very seriously. The word grant implies that the person giving it has the authority. It reflects a society that values clear rules and official procedures. It’s the language of the 'system'.

You might hear refuse permission if the answer is no. Another common one is seek permission, which means you are looking for it. Sometimes people say give permission, which is slightly more relaxed. In very high-level legal talk, you might hear accord permission. But grant permission remains the gold standard for formal agreement.